IS SELLING DIGITAL OR PRINT-ON-DEMAND PRODUCTS RIGHT FOR YOU? 5 QUESTIONS TO ASK

If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to the sweet notification “You made a sale!”—without packaging a single box or sending a single email, you’re not alone. The idea of passive income through selling digital products or print-on-demand items is one of the most searched side hustle strategies out there. But before you dive headfirst into the world of Etsy digital downloads or custom printed mugs and art prints, let’s pause. Just because it’s simple to start, doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. So is selling digital or print-on-demand products right for you?

Here are five key questions to ask yourself before you start building your online business selling digital or print-on-demand products.

1. ARE YOU MORE INTERESTED IN CREATING OR MANAGING?

If the thought of designing planners, art prints, or pattern collections excites you more than managing inventory or customer service, you're in the right place! Digital and print-on-demand businesses allow creatives to lean into making and designing while automating most of the rest. It frees up your time to do more of what you love.

"The most successful businesses aren’t always the loudest or flashiest—they’re the ones built around doing what the creator actually enjoys." – Jenna Kutcher

Think about where you thrive. If creating content, art, or products lights you up, this model can play to your strengths.

2. DO YOU VALUE FLEXIBILITY & LONG-TERM GROWTH OVER OVERNIGHT RESULTS?

The truth? Passive income isn’t instant. But it is powerful. Selling digital downloads or print-on-demand products creates systems that can grow and sell while you sleep—but only after you’ve put in some initial work. This is ideal if you're looking to create long-term income with scalable potential—not a get-rich-quick fix.

"Success is about consistency and alignment—not speed." – Ashlyn Carter

3. CAN YOU STICK WITH SOMETHING FOR AT LEAST 3-6 MONTHS WITHOUT CONSTANT VALIDATION?

This model requires patience. Whether you’re designing digital templates or building a Shopify or Etsy store, early sales often take time. Algorithms need data. Your brand needs visibility. Your content needs time to resonate. If you can stay focused through a slower start and commit to building something sustainable, this might be your perfect next move.

4. ARE YOU COMFORTABLE LEARNING NEW PLATFORMS & MARKETING YOURSELF?

You don’t have to be a tech expert or a marketing whiz, but you do need to be open to learning how to sell online—and showing up consistently. That could mean creating content for Pinterest, starting a small blog, or sharing product previews on Instagram. Your audience can’t buy what they don’t know exists. But the good news? You can start simple and build as you go. You don't need a huge following—you just need clear messaging, helpful content, and great visuals.

5. DO YOU WANT TO CREATE SOMETHING THAT CAN WORK FOR YOU WHILE YOU DO OTHER THINGS?

This is where passive income really shines. Once you’ve uploaded your designs, set up your products, and added great keywords and content, your digital shop can continue to work in the background while you’re on vacation, working another job, or spending time with your family. It’s not truly “set it and forget it,” but it’s a whole lot closer to freedom than shipping orders yourself every day.

So, is it right for you?

If you're a creative thinker with a willingness to learn, have a long-game mindset, and a desire to make money online in a way that grows over time, then yes—selling digital or print-on-demand products could be your perfect next step. Not only can it create income without shipping, inventory, or customer overwhelm—it also allows you to build a business around your life, not the other way around.

And the best part? You don’t have to figure it all out alone. I help creatives just like you build profitable, sustainable digital product businesses through step-by-step guidance, community, and strategy that feels doable, not overwhelming.

Your next step: Want help designing your dream passive business plan? Join my FREE 6 Day Challenge. You'll get daily emails with video lessons & pdf worksheets to get you started on the right foot.

When I started my Print-on-demand and digital product business, no one told me how to set up systems to create a scalable business. I learned as I went, the hard way. But you don't have to do it that way. There are steps that make this road easier and I'm happy to share them with you. I promise, this is profitable & it is easier than it feels right now.

Warmest regards,